The Blackfoot chairlift has been an iconic piece of Grand Targhee Resort’s history since 1974, when it was installed. This lift accesses over 500 acres and 1,200 vertical feet of terrain. The lone double chair is due for retirement and with this, brings a new chapter in Grand Targhee’s history. The old Blackfoot chair, manufactured by Riblet, was built in 1974 and had a 960 passenger per hour uphill capacity.

The total ride time was about 12 minutes. Moving forward, Blackfoot will be replaced by a Doppelmayr fixed grip quad with comfort bar and foot rests that can haul 1,800 guests per hour. The total ride time will decrease to 7 minutes. In the event of a power outage the new lift will be able to run off of diesel power. Construction on the lift will begin immediately with the goal of having the new Blackfoot lift ready for opening day of the 2016/17 winter season. “The entire resort team is excited to replace and upgrade the Blackfoot chairlift,” stated marketing & sales director, Ken Rider.

He goes on to say, “The resort ownership and entire team is committed to the guest experience and reinvesting in the resort with ongoing improvements that enhance the guest experience. This is the largest and most visible of many recent capital investments the resort has made.” Old Blackfoot: Year built: 1974 Type: Riblet Double Passenger per hour: 960 Rope Speed: 400 Feet per minute Vertical Rise: 1200 feet Ride time: 12 minutes Standby power: no standby power unit, evacuation power unit only New Blackfoot: Year built: 2016 Type: Doppelmayr fixed grip quad with foot rests Passengers per hour: 1800 Rope speed: 450 Feet per minute Vertical rise: 1200 feet Ride time 7 minutes Standby power: Diesel power unit at 100% capacity 350 FPM The resort is encouraging guests to share their photos and memories of Blackfoot on all social channels – #BlackfootMemories.